Buzz
Japanese animation this year features female characters bringing positive significance.
2022 witnesses a surge of Japanese anime projects with profound meaning. Female characters in the modern age on screen not only serve the purpose of 'beautification', attracting male audiences, but are intricately crafted, profound, and inspire progress in viewers.
Anya and Yor (Spy x Family)
Upon its release, Spy x Family immediately became an animation sensation with a highly innovative theme: espionage - spy blended with family sentiment. In the series, Loid - a secret agent, has to establish a 'cover' family to camouflage his identity and carry out missions. That's when 2 beloved female characters make their appearance.
Anya is the cute pink-haired girl, adopted by Loid at an orphanage. However, Anya possesses a special ability - she can hear other people's thoughts. Then, Loid recruits 'temporary wife' Yor, a highly skilled female assassin. Together, the three form a small, warm, and happy family, captivating viewers. Particularly, the motherly love between Yor and Anya is portrayed gracefully, showing that love sometimes doesn't necessarily have to stem from blood ties.
Kitagawa (My Dress-Up Darling)
This is one of the most intriguing and meaningful Japanese anime projects of 2022. My Dress-Up Darling introduces the protagonist Gojo, a truly unique character with a passion for traditional doll-making since childhood. Because of this, Gojo often faces teasing and bullying from friends. That is until the female lead Marin Kitagawa appears.
Possessing a beautiful appearance, Kitagawa is contrary to the stereotype of a 'hot girl' high school character. She is incredibly kind, progressive, and intelligent, helping Gojo realize the importance of pursuing his passion. She herself dislikes imposing on others, having been teased by male students for liking anime.
Uta (One Piece: Red)
Although not an unfamiliar character, Uta's debut in the latest film installment of One Piece titled Red has captured the audience's full affection.
Uta is a singing sensation with an angelic voice, adored by many. In the new movie, she holds a grand performance, showcasing her full talent to the audience. However, what draws more attention than her singing and unique appearance is her identity. Uta is the adopted daughter of the legendary figure Shanks, and has had a close relationship with the protagonist Luffy since childhood.
Komi (Komi Can't Communicate)
Japanese school-themed movies that 'heal' have always been a strength, and Komi Can't Communicate is no exception. The film introduces the character Komi - a high school girl with communication disorder who hardly speaks all day. However, Komi still has special qualities that make her beloved.
Komi represents the stereotype of 'beauty', where a girl admired by many inadvertently becomes isolated due to thoughts like 'beautiful people must be hard to approach'. Because of this, Komi creates a shell for herself, unable to talk to anyone. However, thanks to her cute, friendly, and warm personality, Komi has found wonderful friends who help her open up to the world.
In addition to the characters mentioned above, some familiar names like Mikasa from Attack on Titan, Nezuko from Demon Slayer, Haibara from Case Closed... continue to be beloved by audiences as they reappear in new films this year.
Image source: CrunchyRoll
